Social Media Cheat Sheet
Navigating the Social Media Landscape: Your Comprehensive Guide to Platforms, Features, and Insights.
Organic Post Features
Text Only Posts
Image Only Posts
Stories
Video: Incl. Max. Length
- max 90 sec
- max 60 min
- max 5 min
- 2 min 20s, 4h paid
- max 60 min
- max 60 sec
- max 60 sec
Live Streaming
Additional Business Features
Business Profiles/Accounts
Analytics View
Verified Accounts
Shopping Feature
In App Shopping
In App Checkout
Ad Options
Subscription Model
Creator Subscription Model
AI Feature
- Threads
- X (Twitter)
- TikTok
- YouTube
- Twitch
- Snapchat
Organic Post Features
Text Only Posts
Image Only Posts
Stories
Video: Incl. Max. Length
Live Streaming
Additional Business Features
Business Profiles/Accounts
Analytics View
Verified Accounts
Shopping Feature
In App Shopping
In App Checkout
Ad Options
Subscription Model
Creator Subscription Model
AI Feature
coming soon
Key Differentiating Trait
Facebook is known for its versatile social networking capabilities, combining personal profiles, business pages, groups, and events. It offers a comprehensive platform for various types of interactions, including social, commercial, and informative
Best For
- Driving website traffic
- Community building
- Event promotion
Monthly Active Users?
2.49 billion
Post Options
- Status Update
Users can share text updates, thoughts, feelings, or information with their friends and followers
- Photo/Video Posts
Users can upload photos or videos directly to their timeline or in albums. These posts can include captions, tagging of friends, and location check-ins.
- Live Video
Facebook Live allows users to broadcast live videos to their friends and followers. This feature is used for real-time engagement, sharing events as they happen, Q&A sessions, and more.
- Stories
Similar to Instagram and Snapchat, Facebook Stories are short photo or video updates that disappear after 24 hours. They are displayed at the top of friends' and followers' News Feeds.
- Check-In
Users can share their location by checking in at a specific place, like a restaurant, park, or city. This can be accompanied by a status update, photo, or other types of content.
- Polls
Facebook allows users to create polls with customizable questions and options. This is useful for gathering opinions, preferences, or feedback from friends and followers.
- Links
Users can share links to websites, articles, or other online content. Facebook typically generates a preview of the linked content, including a headline, main image, and a brief description.
- Events
Users can create event pages for upcoming events, inviting friends and managing RSVPs. Events can be public or private, and they include details like date, time, location, and event description.
- Marketplace Listings
Facebook Marketplace allows users to buy, sell, or trade items with people in their community. Users can create listings for a wide range of items, from furniture to vehicles.
- Job Postings
Businesses can post job openings on their Facebook Page, which can be discovered by potential applicants through the Jobs on Facebook feature.
- Watch Party
This feature lets users watch videos on Facebook together with a group of people in real-time. It's a way to create a shared viewing experience with friends or followers.
- 3D/360 Photos
Users can create and share 3D photos, which use smartphone technology to bring scenes to life with depth and movement.
Ad Options
- Image Ads
These are simple ads using a single image. They are versatile and can be used for many purposes, like promoting a product, raising brand awareness, or driving traffic to a website.
- Video Ads
Video ads can appear in News Feed, Stories, or as in-stream ads in longer Facebook videos. They're effective for capturing attention and conveying a story or detailed information about a product or service.
- Carousel Ads
These ads allow up to ten images or videos in a single ad, each with its own link. They are ideal for showcasing multiple products, different features of a single product, or telling a story across multiple carousel cards.
- Slideshow Ads
Slideshow ads create short video ads from a collection of still photos, text, or existing video clips. They are lighter on data usage, making them good for reaching audiences with slower internet connections.
- Collection Ads
These ads offer a full-screen experience that opens when someone taps on them in the News Feed. The format combines videos, images, or both, and allows people to browse and purchase products directly.
- Instant Experience Ads
Previously known as Canvas, these are full-screen ad experiences that load instantly. They are mobile-optimized and can include videos, photos, carousels, and other elements.
- Lead Ads
Designed for mobile devices, these ads make it easy for people to provide their contact information without a lot of typing. They're great for collecting newsletter subscriptions, signing someone up for a trial, or allowing people to request more information.
- Dynamic Ads
These ads automatically promote products to people who have expressed interest in them on your website, in your app, or elsewhere on the internet.
- Messenger Ads
These ads appear in the Chats tab of the Messenger app, inviting users to start a conversation with your business.
- Stories Ads
Full-screen vertical ads that appear between stories on Facebook. They can include images, videos, or carousels.
- Playable Ads
Interactive ads designed for game app promotion. Users can try out a game before downloading it.
Shopping Features
- Facebook Shops
An online storefront where businesses can showcase and sell products directly on Facebook.
- Customization
Businesses can customize their shop with product collections and tell their brand story using customizable fonts and colors.
- Integration
Facebook Shops are integrated across Meta platforms, including Instagram, allowing for a unified shopping experience.
Subscription Options
- Fan Subscriptions
This model allows content creators to receive monthly recurring payments from their followers in exchange for exclusive content and experiences. Fans who subscribe can get benefits like exclusive posts, discounts, or access to a private group.
- Facebook Gaming Subscriptions
Streamers on Facebook Gaming can set up subscriptions for their channels. Viewers can subscribe to their favorite gamers to support them financially, often receiving exclusive perks like custom badges, emojis, and access to subscriber-only chats.
- Group Subscriptions
Administrators of certain Facebook groups can offer paid subscriptions to their members. Subscribers might receive exclusive content, more direct access to the administrators, or other benefits not available in the free version of the group.
- Ad-free Subscription Model
In the future Meta will offer people in the EU, EEA and Switzerland the choice to pay a monthly subscription to use Facebook and Instagram without any ads. They can alternatively continue to use these services for free while seeing ads that are relevant to them.
Organic Post Features
Text Only Posts
Image Only Posts
Stories
Video: Incl. Max. Length
Live Streaming
Additional Business Features
Business Profiles/Accounts
Analytics View
Verified Accounts
Shopping Feature
In App Shopping
In App Checkout
Ad Options
Subscription Model
Creator Subscription Model
AI Feature
coming soon
Key Differentiating Trait
Instagram emphasizes visual content, primarily photos and videos. It's a platform for creative expression and storytelling, appealing to a visually-oriented audience. Instagram is especially known for its aesthetics and influencer culture
Best For
- Visual marketing
- Community engagement
- Brand storytelling
Monthly Active Users?
2.04 billion
Post Options
- In-Feed Photos
Users can upload single or multiple photos to their feed. They can apply filters, tag other users, and add a location. Multi-photo posts allow users to swipe through a carousel of images or videos.
- In-Feed Videos
Any videos that you posted pre-2022 still live on in their original format — but you’ll notice they are now found under your Reels tab. That’s because, as of 2022, all new video posts are shared as Reels.
- Instagram Stories
Stories are photos or videos that disappear after 24 hours. They offer various interactive features like polls, questions, and music. Users can also highlight stories on their profile to keep them visible beyond 24 hours.
- Reels
Reels: Inspired by TikTok, Reels are short-form videos up to 90 seconds long. They can be edited with various effects, music, and creative tools. Reels have a dedicated tab on the user's profile and are showcased in the explore section for broader visibility.
- Instagram Live
Users can broadcast live videos to their followers. Live sessions are great for real-time interaction, Q&As, and spontaneous content. Live videos can also be saved and shared as IGTV videos after the broadcast ends.
Ad Options
- Photo Ads
These are standard ads featuring a single photo. They appear in users' feeds and can be used to showcase products, services, or brands. They can include a call-to-action button like "Learn More" or "Shop Now."
- Video Ads
Similar to photo ads but with video content. They can be up to 60 seconds long and play automatically in users' feeds. Video ads are effective for storytelling or showcasing products in action.
- Carousel Ads
These ads allow users to swipe through a series of images or videos in a single ad. Carousel ads are ideal for highlighting multiple products, showcasing different features of a single product, or telling a brand story in chapters.
- Stories Ads
Full-screen vertical ads that appear between users' Stories. They're a great way to reach viewers in a more immersive way. Advertisers can use images or videos up to 15 seconds long, and users can swipe up on the ad to follow a link.
- IGTV Ads
As IGTV is Instagram's platform for longer videos, advertisers can place ads in this format. IGTV ads appear when users watch IGTV videos from creators' channels.
- Reels Ads
These are full-screen, vertical ads that appear between individual Reels. Similar to Stories, they can be up to 30 seconds long and are designed to blend in with the content of Reels.
- Explore Ads
These ads appear in the Explore section where users discover new content aligned with their interests. The ads can be a powerful way to reach people who are in the mindset of discovering new products, services, or brands.
- Shopping Ads
Shopping Ads: These ads allow businesses to showcase their products directly through Instagram posts. Users can tap on these ads to learn more about the products and purchase them directly through Instagram's shopping feature.
- Collection Ads
Collection ads combine videos or images with product catalogs. When users tap on these ads, they're taken to an Instant Experience (a full-screen landing page) where they can browse and purchase products.
- Sponsored Posts
Businesses can sponsor posts from influencers or other users, turning their organic content into ads. This is part of Instagram's influencer marketing, where businesses can leverage the credibility and audience of popular Instagram users.
Shopping Features
- Shoppable Posts
Businesses can tag products in their posts, just like tagging a person. When users tap on these tags, they see more details about the product and have an option to purchase it directly within the app.
- Instagram Shop
This is a dedicated shopping space within the Instagram app. Here, users can browse and buy products from brands and creators. It's curated based on users' interests, making it easier to discover products they'll love.
- Shoppable Stories
Similar to shoppable posts, businesses can tag products in their Stories. When viewers tap on these product stickers, they can see more information or make a purchase.
- Checkout on Instagram
This feature allows users to buy products directly on Instagram without leaving the app. Users can pay using Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and PayPal.
- Live Shopping
Brands and creators can sell products during a live broadcast. Viewers can shop the featured products in real-time, creating an interactive shopping experience.
- Shopping from Creators
This feature allows users to shop directly from creators' posts. Creators can tag products from the brands they're working with, making it easy for followers to shop the products they recommend.
- Product Collections
Brands can create and share collections of their products. Users can browse these collections to find products they are interested in and purchase them directly through Instagram.
- Instagram Ads with Product Tags
Businesses can create ads that include product tags. This makes it easy for users to shop products directly from ads they find engaging.
Subscription Options
- Creator Subscription
Instagram Subscriptions allow creators to monetise by offering exclusive content and benefits to their most engaged followers at a monthly fee. Followers can subscribe through an in-app purchase on their mobile device.
- Ad-free Subscription Model
In the future Meta will offer people in the EU, EEA and Switzerland the choice to pay a monthly subscription to use Facebook and Instagram without any ads. They can alternatively continue to use these services for free while seeing ads that are relevant to them.
Threads
Organic Post Features
Text Only Posts
Image Only Posts
Stories
Video: Incl. Max. Length
Live Streaming
Additional Business Features
Business Profiles/Accounts
Analytics View
Verified Accounts
Shopping Feature
In App Shopping
In App Checkout
Ad Options
Subscription Model
Creator Subscription Model
AI Feature
Key Differentiating Trait
Meta's Threads is made for simple, text-focused socializing, giving users a more personal and quick way to interact. It's special because it's not centrally controlled and it makes sure the content is really relevant to its users, aiming to be a unique place for both one-on-one and group conversations.
Best For
- Personalized outreach
- Niche engagement
- Direct communication
Monthly Active Users?
100 million
Post Options
- Text Updates
Primary focus on text-based posts, allowing users to share updates, thoughts, and stories in a short written format. Usera can also add links, photos, and videos to their posts, enhancing the text-based conversations and providing a richer context.
- Public Conversations
Lets users engage in public discussions, providing a platform for interactive dialogues and community engagement
Ad Options
- Businesses
Businesses do not currently have the option to purchase ad space on Threads, however, advertising is inevitable and is likely set to become a significant player in Threads' overall revenue.
Shopping Features
- Threads
Threads, being a text app developed by Instagram, does not have direct shopping features.
- Support
It is more focused on communication and may support businesses in customer engagement rather than direct sale
Subscription Options
- Subscription
Being a new text app by Meta, Threads does not have a subscription model as it focuses more on communication and text sharing.
X (Twitter)
Organic Post Features
Text Only Posts
Image Only Posts
Stories
Video: Incl. Max. Length
Live Streaming
Additional Business Features
Business Profiles/Accounts
Analytics View
Verified Accounts
Shopping Feature
In App Shopping
In App Checkout
Ad Options
Subscription Model
Creator Subscription Model
AI Feature
Key Differentiating Trait
X, once twitter, is distinguished by its focus on real-time information and news. It's a platform for concise content, characterized by short messages known as tweets. Twitter is widely used for public discourse, breaking news, and live commentary
Best For
- Brand awareness
- Customer interaction
- Real-time updates
Monthly Active Users?
666 million
Post Options
- Standard posts
Text posts, allowing up to 280 characters of text or image/video/GIF posts. Users can share thoughts, information, links, and/or up to four images, videos that are 2 minutes and 20 seconds or less in length (4 hours if uploaded on iOS)
- Polls
Users can create polls within their posts. Polls can have up to four answer options and can last between 5 minutes and 7 days.
- Threaded Posts
Users can create a series of connected posts (a thread) to provide additional context, update on a situation, or tell a longer story. This is done by replying to one's own post.
- Replies and Mentions
Users can repost others' content to share it with their followers. A mention allows the user to include their own message along with the reposted content.
Ad Options
- Promoted Posts
These are regular posts that advertisers pay to display to people who are not already following them on X. Promoted posts can include text, images, or videos and are labeled as "Promoted."
- X Amplify
This program pairs pre-roll or mid-roll video ads with premium video content from X's content partners. It allows advertisers to align their brand with relevant and engaging content.
- X Takeover
This ad product ensures that an advertiser's brand is the first thing users see when they log in to X. It includes the "First View" to dominate the top ad slot in timelines for 24 hours and the "Trend Takeover" to own the Explore tab.
- Carousel Ads
Carousel Ads on X allow advertisers to include multiple images or videos in a single ad. Users can swipe through the carousel to see additional content, making it a good option for showcasing multiple products or telling a brand story.
Shopping Features
- Twitter
Twitter does not have a built-in shopping platform like Facebook or Instagram.
- Support
However, businesses can use Twitter to promote products, share links to their online stores, and engage with customers.
Subscription Options
- Subscription
Twitter offers Twitter Blue, a subscription service providing additional features like an undo tweet button, reader mode, and customization options.
TikTok
Organic Post Features
Text Only Posts
Image Only Posts
Stories
Video: Incl. Max. Length
Live Streaming
Additional Business Features
Business Profiles/Accounts
Analytics View
Verified Accounts
Shopping Feature
In App Shopping
In App Checkout
Ad Options
Subscription Model
Creator Subscription Model
AI Feature
Key Differentiating Trait
TikTok's distinctiveness lies in its focus on short-form, vertical videos. It's popular for creative content, particularly music, dance, and various challenges. Key features include extensive video editing tools, effects, and a strong trend-driven community, making it highly engaging for a younger audience
Best For
- Viral content
- Youth engagement
- Creative branding
Monthly Active Users?
1.22 billion
Post Options
- Standard TikTok Videos
Users can record videos up to 10 minutes long (60 minutes if uploaded), add music, effects, text, and filters, and then share them with their followers and the wider TikTok community.
- Duet
Duets allow users to create content alongside another user's video. It splits the screen in two, with the original video on one side and the user's video on the other.
- Stitch
Stitch lets users clip and integrate scenes from another user's video into their own.
- Live Videos
Users with 1,000 or more followers can go live, interacting with their audience in real time. This feature is used for Q&A sessions, live performances, or just casual conversations.
- Add Yours
Add Yours: allows you to interact with others on TikTok through a prompt that you can add to your video or respond to.
- Stories
Similar to Instagram or Snapchat, TikTok Stories allow users to post content that disappears after 24 hours.
Ad Options
- In-Feed Ads
These are the standard video ads that appear in the user's "For You" page. They can be up to 60 seconds long, with sound and full-screen mode. In-feed ads support various call-to-actions, like website visits or app downloads.
- Brand Takeover Ads
These ads appear immediately when a user opens the TikTok app, taking over the screen for a few seconds before turning into an in-feed video ad. They are exclusive to different categories per day, meaning only one brand can take over a category each day.
- TopView Ads
Similar to Brand Takeovers, TopView ads appear when the app is first opened but delay for a few seconds. They then play as full-screen video ads, up to 60 seconds long with sound.
- Branded Hashtag Challenges
Branded Hashtag Challenges: This is a unique ad format where businesses can sponsor a hashtag challenge. These challenges encourage user-generated content and engagement, often going viral. They appear on the Discovery page and include a custom banner that leads to the challenge page.
- Branded Effects
Brands can create their own custom filters, stickers, and special effects on TikTok. Users can apply these effects in their own content, which increases brand visibility and engagement.
- Collection Ads
These are in-feed ads with an added feature that allows users to tap on a product card to learn more about the product without leaving TikTok. This is beneficial for e-commerce businesses.
- Spark Ads
This format allows brands to boost organic TikTok content (either their own or content they have permission to use from other creators) as in-feed ads. It's a way to amplify native content that resonates well with the audience.
Shopping Features
- TikTok Shop
a one-stop E-commerce solution for driving sales and brand growth on TikTok. TikTok Shop allows sellers to sell products directly on TikTok through in-feed videos, LIVES, and the Showcase tab.
- Showcase
Product Showcase is a feature that allows customers to shop directly from a seller's or a creator's account. It displays a shopping bag icon on the profile page of a TikTok account. Customers can browse products and shop brands or creator-listed products in just a few taps.
Subscription Options
- Subscription
LIVE subscriptions are exclusive to live videos, providing benefits for creators and subscribers. While creators can earn money through their videos, subscribers can access exclusive content and receive a badge. This badge will appear next to a subscriber's TikTok handle during the creator's live stream.
YouTube
Organic Post Features
Text Only Posts
Image Only Posts
Stories
Video: Incl. Max. Length
Live Streaming
Additional Business Features
Business Profiles/Accounts
Analytics View
Verified Accounts
Shopping Feature
In App Shopping
In App Checkout
Ad Options
Subscription Model
Creator Subscription Model
AI Feature
coming soon
Key Differentiating Trait
YouTube is the world's leading video-sharing platform. It allows users to upload, view, and share videos. YouTube is unique for its vast content library, ranging from amateur vlogs to professional video productions, making it a central hub for video consumption and entertainment.
Best For
- Long-form content
- Educational marketing
- Brand storytelling
Monthly Active Users?
2.49 billion
Post Options
- Standard Video Uploads
Users upload pre-recorded videos, which can range from a few seconds to several hours long. These videos can be edited, include various effects, and are accessible on the user's channel.
- YouTube Shorts
Shorts are YouTube's answer to the rise of short-form content popularized by platforms like TikTok. These are vertical videos up to 60 seconds long, designed for quick, mobile-friendly viewing. Shorts often get promoted in a dedicated section on the YouTube mobile app.
- Live Streams
Users can broadcast live to their audience, which is a great way to interact in real-time. These live streams can later be saved as videos on the channel. Live streaming is used for events, Q&A sessions, gaming, and more.
- Premieres
This feature allows creators to upload a video and schedule it to go live at a specific time, turning the first viewing into a communal event. It includes a live chat feature where viewers can interact as the video plays for the first time.
- Stories
Similar to Instagram or Snapchat Stories, YouTube Stories are short, mobile-only videos that disappear after 7 days. They're used for casual updates and to engage with the audience in a more informal way.
- Community Posts
This feature lets creators engage with their audience through text, images, polls, or GIFs. Community posts are a way to keep the audience updated and involved, even when not posting regular videos. However, this feature is typically only available to channels with a certain number of subscribers.
- Playlists
While not a 'post' in the traditional sense, playlists allow creators to organize and curate their videos (or others' videos) into a series or collection, making it easier for viewers to find related content.
Ad Options
- Skippable In-Stream Ads
These ads play before, during, or after other videos on YouTube. Viewers have the option to skip the ad after 5 seconds. These ads are charged on a Cost-Per-View (CPV) basis.
- Non-Skippable In-Stream Ads
Similar to skippable ads, these also play before, during, or after videos but cannot be skipped by the viewer. They are typically 15-20 seconds long. These are charged on a Cost-Per-Mille (CPM) basis.
- Bumper Ads
These are non-skippable ads that are up to 6 seconds long. They play before a viewer's chosen video. Bumper ads are ideal for driving brand awareness and reach and are also charged on a CPM basis.
- Discovery Ads
These ads appear in places of discovery, like next to related YouTube videos, on the YouTube homepage, or in search results. They include a thumbnail image with some text and invite users to click to watch the video. The billing is usually based on Cost-Per-Click (CPC).
- Overlay Ads
These are semi-transparent ads that appear on the lower 20% portion of your video. They can be text or image-based and are only available on desktop platforms.
- Sponsored Cards
These are small notifications that appear on the right edge of the video for a few seconds. If a viewer clicks on them, a card (small CTA) expands showcasing products featured in the video. This is great for product placement.
- Masthead Ads
These ads appear at the top of the YouTube home page and are available on a reservation basis through a Google sales representative. They offer massive reach and are typically used for big-budget brand campaigns.
Shopping Features
- Product Tags
Creators can tag products featured in their videos. These tags allow viewers to see a list of featured products and click through to learn more or make a purchase directly.
- Integrated Shopping Platform
YouTube has been experimenting with an integrated shopping platform that allows viewers to purchase products directly through YouTube. This can include a dedicated shopping page or links within videos and video descriptions.
- Shoppable Ads
YouTube offers shoppable ad formats, where advertisers can include product images and links within their video ads. This makes it easier for viewers to click through and purchase products they see in ads.
- Live Stream Shopping
Taking a page from platforms like Taobao in China, YouTube has been exploring live stream shopping events. During these events, creators can showcase and sell products in real-time, with viewers having the ability to purchase products directly through the live stream interface.
- Merchandise Shelf
YouTube provides a "merchandise shelf" feature for eligible creators, which allows them to showcase and sell their merchandise directly below their videos. This is particularly popular among creators with a large fan base.
- YouTube Shorts Shopping
As YouTube develops its Shorts feature to compete with TikTok, there's potential for integrating shopping features into this short-form content in the future.
Subscription Options
- YouTube Premium
This is a paid subscription service that offers an ad-free experience across all of YouTube, including videos, music, and gaming. Subscribers also get access to background play (where videos continue to play when the app is not in the foreground) and offline viewing. Additionally, YouTube Premium includes a subscription to YouTube Music Premium.
- YouTube Music Premium
Focused solely on music, this subscription offers an ad-free music listening experience, offline playback, and background play. It's included in the YouTube Premium subscription but is also available as a standalone service for those primarily interested in music.
- Channel Memberships
Individual YouTube channels can offer paid memberships to their viewers. Members typically get various perks like exclusive badges, emojis, members-only videos, live chats, and other content. The specific offerings depend on the creator and the membership levels they set up.
- YouTube TV
This is a subscription service that offers live streaming of over 85 television networks, including local and national channels. It's geared towards users looking to replace traditional cable or satellite subscriptions. YouTube TV also offers unlimited cloud DVR storage.
Twitch
Organic Post Features
Text Only Posts
Image Only Posts
Stories
Video: Incl. Max. Length
Live Streaming
Additional Business Features
Business Profiles/Accounts
Analytics View
Verified Accounts
Shopping Feature
In App Shopping
In App Checkout
Ad Options
Subscription Model
Creator Subscription Model
AI Feature
Key Differentiating Trait
Twitch's key differentiator is its focus on live interactive streaming, primarily for gaming, allowing real-time audience engagement in a community-centric environment.
Best For
- Live streaming
- Community interaction
- Gaming content
Monthly Active Users?
140 million
Post Options
- Live Streams
The core feature of Twitch, where broadcasters can stream live content to their audience. This is primarily used for live gaming, but also includes music performances, talk shows, art creation, and more.
- Videos (VODs - Video on Demand)
After a live stream ends, it can be saved as a video on demand (VOD) for viewers to watch later. Creators can also upload pre-recorded videos. These are especially useful for viewers who missed the live broadcast or want to revisit content.
- Clips
Viewers and streamers can create short clips (up to 60 seconds) from live streams or VODs. Clips are a great way to capture and share highlights or memorable moments from streams.
- Premieres
This feature allows creators to launch a pre-recorded video as a live event, complete with a countdown and chat. It's a way to create a live viewing experience around content that was created ahead of time.
- Reruns
Streamers can schedule previously streamed content to play again at a designated time. This gives viewers a chance to watch content they may have missed and offers additional engagement opportunities for the streamer.
- Host Mode
Users can host another channel's live broadcast on their own channel. This is used for cross-promotion and to keep content running on your channel even when you're not live.
- Raids
At the end of a live stream, streamers can "raid" another live channel, directing all viewers to the raided channel. This is a community feature to support and introduce your audience to other streamers.
- Squad Stream
Squad Stream: This feature allows up to four creators to stream together in a single view. Viewers can watch all streams at once and switch between chat rooms, making it great for collaborative content and events.
Ad Options
- Skippable In-Stream Ads
These ads play before, during, or after other videos on YouTube. Viewers have the option to skip the ad after 5 seconds. These ads are charged on a Cost-Per-View (CPV) basis.
- Standard Pre-Roll and Mid-Roll Ads
These are video ads that can appear before (pre-roll) or during (mid-roll) a live stream or video on demand (VOD). Streamers have some control over when mid-roll ads appear during their broadcast.
- Display Ads
These include static or animated banners that appear on various parts of the Twitch website and apps, such as the leaderboard banner at the top of the page or rectangle banners on the sidebar.
- Homepage Carousel
Brands can feature their content in the carousel at the top of the Twitch homepage, which is one of the first things users see when they visit the site.
- Homepage Headliner
This ad format spans the top of the Twitch homepage and is a high-visibility option for brands to showcase their content or campaigns.
- Sponsored Streams
Brands can partner with Twitch streamers to create sponsored content. This can include playing a specific game, showcasing a product, or hosting a branded event.
- Sponsored Segments
Similar to sponsored streams, but these are specific segments or portions of a stream dedicated to promoting a brand or product.
- Twitch Bounty Board
This is a program that connects streamers with sponsorship opportunities. Brands can post bounties for specific content, and streamers can choose which bounties to accept and create content around.
- Interactive Ad Extensions
Twitch offers interactive extensions that can be added to streams, allowing viewers to engage directly with brands. For example, a poll extension where viewers can vote on their favorite product feature.
Shopping Features
- Bits
Bits are a virtual good that viewers can buy and use to cheer in chat, showing support for streamers. When viewers use Bits in chat messages, it not only highlights the message but also gives a financial reward to the streamer.
- Subscriptions
Viewers can subscribe to a streamer's channel to show their support. Subscriptions come in different tiers, offering various benefits like ad-free viewing, exclusive chat privileges, and custom emotes. A portion of the subscription fee goes to the streamer, providing them with a source of income.
- Twitch Merch Store
Some streamers set up their own merchandise stores through Twitch or third-party platforms. Viewers can buy branded merchandise like t-shirts, hats, or mugs to support their favorite streamers.
- Affiliate Links and Panels
Streamers can use affiliate links or dedicated panels below their stream to promote products or services. When viewers click on these links and make a purchase, the streamer earns a commission.
- Extensions for Shopping
Certain interactive extensions allow streamers to showcase products on their stream. Viewers can browse and even purchase these products without having to leave the Twitch platform.
- Game Sales and In-Game Content
For streams focused on gaming, Twitch offers features where viewers can purchase games or in-game content directly through the platform. Streamers can receive a share of the revenue from sales made through their channel.
Subscription Options
- Channel Subscriptions
Viewers can subscribe to a streamer's channel to support them on a monthly basis. Twitch offers different subscription tiers:
Tier 1: The basic subscription level, offering access to channel-specific emotes, ad-free viewing (depending on the streamer's settings), and other benefits designated by the streamer.
Tier 2: Includes all the benefits of Tier 1, along with additional emotes and potentially other perks set by the streamer.
Tier 3: The highest subscription level, offering all the benefits of the previous tiers plus more emotes and exclusive perks. - Twitch Prime
(Amazon Prime)Users with an Amazon Prime subscription automatically get Twitch Prime as a part of their benefits. Twitch Prime includes one free channel subscription per month, exclusive in-game content, and all the benefits of a regular subscription like ad-free viewing and channel emotes.
- Gifted Subscriptions
Viewers can purchase subscriptions as gifts for other users. This can be done for specific individuals or as a community gift, which Twitch will distribute to active viewers in the chat.
- Multi-Month Subscriptions
Twitch offers the option to subscribe to a channel for several months in advance. This provides the streamer with a more stable income and saves the viewer the hassle of monthly renewals.
- Twitch Turbo
While not directly a channel subscription, Twitch Turbo is a platform-wide subscription that gives users site-wide benefits like ad-free viewing across all channels, extended broadcast storage, and exclusive chat badges.
Snapchat
Organic Post Features
Text Only Posts
Image Only Posts
Stories
Video: Incl. Max. Length
Live Streaming
Additional Business Features
Business Profiles/Accounts
Analytics View
Verified Accounts
Shopping Feature
In App Shopping
In App Checkout
Ad Options
Subscription Model
Creator Subscription Model
AI Feature
coming soon
Key Differentiating Trait
Snapchat is unique for its ephemeral content, where messages and posts are only temporarily visible before disappearing. It's popular among younger audiences and is known for its playful filters and lenses.
Best For
- Youth engagement
- Playful marketing
- Quick updates
Monthly Active Users?
170 million
Post Options
- Snap
A Snap is a photo or video users send through the app to one or more of their friends. A video snap can be up to 60 seconds long. Snaps disappear after they are viewed.
- Story
A Story is a collection of Snaps put together to create a narrative. Stories are visible to friends for 24 hours.
- Snap Map
This feature shows a user’s location on a map in real-time to their friends. Users can also see Snaps submitted by others around the world.
- Discover
This is a feature where users can view content from media outlets, brands, and celebrities, which is more produced and curated compared to personal Snaps and Stories.
- Spotlight
Spotlight showcases the best of Snapchat, similar to TikTok or Instagram's Reels. It's a way to get content seen by a broader audience and not just friends or followers.
- Memories
This is a personal collection of Snaps and Stories that users can choose to save and view or send to friends at any time.
- Filters and Lenses
These are fun overlays for Snaps that can change the user’s appearance or their environment. Filters are static, while Lenses can include interactive features and motion effects.
- Chat
Snapchat also allows for direct messaging with friends, which includes text, Snaps, Bitmoji stickers, and more. Messages also disappear after they are viewed.
Ad Options
- Snap Ads
These are full-screen vertical video ads that appear in between Stories or Snapchat content. They can be up to 3 minutes long, though shorter ads are usually more effective. Users can swipe up on these ads to be taken to a website, app, video, AR Lens, or piece of content.
- Story Ads
These ads appear in the Discover section and allow brands to tell a deeper story. They consist of a series of 3-20 Snaps that users can tap through to view. Story Ads are ideal for narrative and multi-part content.
- Collection Ads
These allow businesses to showcase a series of products, giving users the chance to browse and buy. When a user taps on a product, they're taken directly to the website to learn more or make a purchase.
- Filters
Businesses can create and sponsor custom Filters that users can apply to their Snaps. These are typically used for brand awareness and are often tied to specific locations or events.
- Lenses AR Experiences
These are interactive, augmented reality experiences that users can play with. Brands can create sponsored Lenses to engage users with their products or branding in a fun, immersive way.
- Commercials
These are non-skippable video ads that appear in Snapchat's curated content. They're up to 6 seconds long and are designed for maximum impact and brand awareness.
- Dynamic Ads
Tailored for e-commerce businesses, these ads automatically create and update product ads from a catalog. They are targeted to users based on their interests and past interactions.
Shopping Features
- Shoppable AR Lenses
These are augmented reality lenses that users can interact with. Businesses can create lenses that allow users to "try on" or visualize products. For example, users can see how a pair of glasses might look on their face or how a piece of furniture might fit in their room.
- Snap Store
This is Snapchat's own merchandise store where users can buy Snapchat-branded items. It's a direct way for Snapchat to engage with its users through e-commerce.
- Product Catalogs
Brands can upload their product catalogs to Snapchat. This allows them to create dynamic shopping ads that are automatically updated with the latest products and prices.
- Shop and Cop
This is a shopping section within the Discover page where users can browse and purchase products from various brands. It offers limited-time deals and exclusive offers, encouraging users to make quick purchases.
- Swipe Up to Shop Feature
In certain ads or stories, users can swipe up to directly link to a product page on the brand's website. This feature is designed to make the transition from viewing to purchasing as seamless as possible.
- Brand Profiles
Brands on Snapchat can have dedicated profiles where they can showcase their products. These profiles can include a shop section where users can browse and buy products directly within Snapchat.
- Visual Search
Snapchat has a feature where users can use their camera to scan a product or barcode, which then brings up shopping links for that product or similar items.
Subscription Options
- Subscription
Snapchat offers a subscription feature known as "Snapchat+." This is a premium subscription service providing users with exclusive, experimental, and pre-release features.